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Close-up of a delicious bowl of Cheesy Taco Pasta, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Cheesy Taco Pasta

This Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe combines the best of taco flavors with the comfort of pasta. It's a quick and easy weeknight meal that's sure to be a family favorite, offering a satisfying and customizable dish ready faster than takeout.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta rotini, penne, or your favorite shape
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large Skillet
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Serving dish or bowls

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chiles, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it's completely melted and smooth.
  8. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for topping.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the cheesy taco sauce.
  10. Pour the pasta into a serving dish or individual bowls. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and your favorite taco toppings.
  11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Spice it up by using spicier taco seasoning or adding cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use mild taco seasoning. Add veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrients. The taco meat sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth if needed.